Not only has little Liam completed his family, he’s also Grande Prairie’s New Year’s Baby for 2017. Liam Jason Gerald Willis was born at 2:59 a.m. January 1st at the QEII Hospital, weighing 8 pounds 10 ounces.
He is the sixth child and second son for mom Valerie Arnold, and her second child with dad Jason Willis. The tot will also be the Elmworth family’s last.
“My vehicle fits eight, so it’s now full,” says Arnold. “Can’t have any more [kids] as we don’t have any more room; Our bedrooms are now full and we’re done.”
The couple first thought they might see Liam on Christmas Day, but it turned out to just be pre-term contractions. Mom went into labour late Saturday night, and the family rang in the new year in the car on the way to the hospital. Arnold says the special date wasn’t a big surprise.
“It was his due date. It’s very rare for them to come on their due date, but it’s my second due date baby so I was happy. We kind of encouraged it a little.”
The family considers 2017 a special year to have a New Year’s Baby, as it’s Canada’s 150th anniversary. The timing also works out at Arnold’s eldest Mikaela is 10 years old and will start the succession of family babysitters in just couple of years.
In the meantime, mom and baby are happy and healthy and will be heading home Monday.
“He’s quiet; he sleeps a lot,” says Arnold. “He likes to be up at night more than he does during the day, which will change when he gets home and he gets bugged all day long. He’ll sleep all night.”
His big brother is also happy not to see any more pink.